Jar Storage Container

ABSTRACT

A container for a plurality of generally cylindrical objects apparatus, said container comprises a base portion and a mating top portion. The base portion defines a plurality of recesses adapted to receive a plurality of generally cylindrical objects, each recess including a bottom wall which is flexible and convex in shape. 
     The top portion defines a similar plurality of recesses adapted to receive a plurality of generally cylindrical objects, each recess including a top wall which comprises a flexible, convex area and includes a retaining flange surrounding said convex area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No 61/296,506 filed Jan. 20, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention pertains to containers for generally cylindrical objects.

More particularly, this invention pertains to containers for generally cylindrical objects having an open or closed end.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the field of canning jars, for example, glass jars are generally sold in cardboard half cartons containing 12 jars. The filled carton is generally shrink- wrapped in plastic film. After the jars are filled, they are frequently stored back in the half cartons (without shrink-wrap). Then, after they have been emptied and cleaned, they are frequently stored again in the half cartons and often stacked, potentially damaging the jars or lids.

Empty quart-sized jars weigh 8 ounces, so that a carton containing 12 jars weighs about 6 pounds, a manageable weight for most people. However, 12 filled jars weigh about 20 pounds, a substantial weight to be lifted onto storage shelves, especially when the cardboard half-carton does not have structural integrity. Also, stacking cartons can adversely affect the integrity of the seals on the filled jars.

Canning jars are usually manufactured in either a standard size or a wide-mouth size. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a container which is adaptable to securing either size jar. It is also desirable to provide a container which is adaptable to both empty and filled jars and jars with and without lids. In addition, it is desirable to provide a container which is securely stackable and protective of the glass contained therein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a container for generally cylindrical objects includes a base portion, a mating top portion and clip handles adapted to securing the top portion to the base. The base portion defines a plurality of recesses adapted to receive a generally cylindrical object, such as a canning jar or drinking glass, for example. The bottom wall of each recess is flexible and convex in shape. The top portion defines a similar plurality of recesses adapted to receive the same generally cylindrical object. The top wall of each recess in the top portion is flexible, centrally convex and includes a retaining flange surrounding the central convex area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a closed container embodying various of the features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base portion of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top portion of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cutaway elevation view of the container of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, in which similarly numbered parts refer to similar parts, a container 10 for storing generally cylindrical objects is disclosed.

The container 10, which is preferably molded polypropylene but may be formed from various thermoplastic materials, includes a base portion 15 and a top portion 20. The base portion 15 includes a bottom wall 16, side walls 17 a and 17 b and end walls 18 a and 18 b. The top portion includes a top wall 21, side walls 22 a and 22 b and end walls 23 a and 23 b. A peripheral flange 24 extends around the outboard edge of the side walls 22 a and 22 b and end walls 23 a and 23 b. The flange 24 is adapted to nest around the outboard peripheral edge of the side walls 17 a and 17 b and end walls 18 a and 18 b to close the container 10. Clip handles 19 a and 19 b are hinged upon the end walls 18 a and 18 b. Rotation of the clip handles brings them into or out of engagement with the flange 24, thus providing a locking mechanism for the base portion 15 and top portion 20.

The base portion 15 defines six similar recesses 25. One of the recesses 25 will be described in detail and it will be recognized that a similar description applies to the remaining recesses 25. Similarly, the top portion 20 defines six similar recesses 30. One of the recesses 30 will be described in detail and it will be recognized that a similar description applies to the remaining recesses 30.

The recesses 25 in the base portion 15 are defined by six generally triangular side columns 35, two central columns 40 and a plurality of separating walls 45 extending between each of the columns 35 and 40. The sides of the columns 35 and 40 are curved to receive a generally cylindrical object.

The recesses 30 in the top portion 20 are defined by six generally triangular side columns 50, two central columns 55 and a plurality of separating walls 60 extending between each of the columns 50 and 55. The sides of the columns 50 and 55 are curved to receive a generally cylindrical object.

As depicted in FIG. 4, the recesses 25 and 30 are adapted to receive both a standard jar 60 and a wide mouth jar 65. In the case of the standard jar 60, regardless whether it includes an attached lid, is secured between a flexible convex section 70 a of the bottom wall 16 and a flexible convex section 75 of the top wall 21. In the case of the wide mouth jar 80, regardless whether it includes an attached lid, is secured between a flexible convex section 70 b of the bottom wall 16 and a flexible peripheral flange of the top wall 21.

As shown in FIG. 4, the container 10 is adapted to nest upon another similar container so that they may be securely stacked.

When closed the container 10 maintains the contents in a clean, though not sterile condition.

In some embodiments, the bottom portion 15 and/or top portion 20 may be transparent to allow identification of the contents without opening the container.

From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a container providing secure storage of generally cylindrical objects, even when the objects vary in size and shape, has been provided.

The flexible convex sections in the base portion and top portion provide contact with both ends of the jar, securing each jar from lateral movement and preventing contact with adjacent jars, regardless of the exact height of the jars and regardless of whether the jar is open or closed.

In addition, the container is strong and when stacked, static loading is not transferred to the jars.

While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept. 

1. A container for a plurality of generally cylindrical objects apparatus , said container comprising: a base portion; a mating top portion; said base portion defining a plurality of recesses adapted to receive a plurality of generally cylindrical objects, each recess including a bottom wall which is flexible and convex in shape; said top portion defining a similar plurality of recesses adapted to receive a plurality of generally cylindrical objects, each recess including a top wall which comprises a flexible, convex area and includes a retaining flange surrounding said convex area.
 2. The container of claim 1 further including clips securing said top portion to said bottom portion.
 3. The container of claim 1 wherein said recesses are defined by columns and walls within said top portion and said bottom portion.
 4. The container of claim 1 wherein said container includes nesting means for mounting upon another similar container.
 5. The container of claim 1 wherein top wall comprises a flexible flange surrounding said flexible convex area.
 6. The container of claim 1 wherein said top portion and said bottom portion comprise molded polypropylene.
 7. The container of claim 1 wherein said bottom portion is transparent to allow identification of the contents of the container. 